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Mayor Andy Berke's office asks unions to sign letter praising mayor

18 views · Published 8 August 2013 · 1:02 · Indexed 25 October 2026

Channel: chattanooga times free press · 2013 · News & Politics

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Chattanooga police and firefighters are fighting what they say are behind-the-scenes efforts by Mayor Andy Berke.

Several unions got an email from the mayor's office asking them to a sign a pre-written letter supporting the mayor and criticizing the pension board.

The letter reads quote: "Mayor Berke, We would like to offer congratulations on presenting your first budget. Clearly, you understand the critical role that public safety plays in our community."

The letter from the mayor's office goes on to praise the mayor's budget, and criticizes the pension board.

After the letter was sent out, one union leader says he got a call from the mayor's staff -- a call saying the letter should be signed and sent back in just 30 minutes.
Now a group of firefighters and officers have written their own letter to Mayor Berke and the city council.
It reads quote: "Your blatant attempt to intimidate the labor unions is absurd...  trying to get them to sign a document with nearly no notice sounds like intimidation."

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